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Abstract:

A method and system for optimizing travel and time management during
travel. A travel tool is provided to receive travel objectives, which may
also be prioritized and set with the tool. In response to detecting a
disruption of an aspect of the set travel plans, this disruption is
evaluated in an effort to mitigate the effects of the disruption. The
impact of the disruption is evaluated and the travel plans are
re-calculated. At least one modification to the set of travel plans is
provided and selected in compliance with the set objective. This
selection is communicated to the travel tool. Based upon the selection,
the travel plans are dynamically modified while attaining the set
objectives.

Claims:

1. A method for optimizing time management during travel, comprising:
setting prioritized travel objectives with a travel tool; detecting
disruption to a first set of travel plans associated with the travel
objectives, and evaluating the detected disruption; re-calculating the
travel plans, including analyzing at least one incident and evaluating
impact with respect to the travel objectives; a selection of at least one
option to a modified first set of travel plans, including communicating
the selection to the travel tool; and dynamically modifying the first set
of travel plans with the selected option to attain the set objectives.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising modifying at least one
travel objective and receiving interactive confirmation of the modified
travel objective.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of detecting a disruption
further comprising analyzing situational information pertaining to the
disruption and creating a modified travel plan according to the
prioritized objectives.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising dynamically tracking arrival
time of the luggage at an assigned baggage claim location, and
communicating the arrival time and the baggage claim location to the
travel tool.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising detecting a current location
of the tool and communicating availability of at least one port service
within a defined proximity of the travel tool.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising detecting any queues
associated with the at least one service and calculating any time delays
for obtaining the at least one service.

7. A computer system comprising: an electronic communication device
having a processor in communication with memory; a travel tool in
communication with said electronic device; an informational database in
communication with the travel tool; a user interface associated with said
travel tool to set prioritized travel objectives; a travel tool manager
to detect and analyze disruption to a first set of travel plans
associated with the travel objectives based upon data received from said
informational database; said user interface to receive a selection of at
least one option to a modified first set of travel plans, including
communicating the selection to the travel tool manager; and said travel
tool manager to dynamically modify the first set of travel plans based
upon said selection and analysis to attain the set objectives.

8. The computer system of claim 7, further comprising said travel tool
manager to modify at least one travel objective and to receive
interactive confirmation of the modified travel objective.

9. The computer system of claim 7, further comprising creating a user
profile including user preferences associated with travel services and
tracking past user experiences associated with said travel services
including rating the services by a user, wherein said travel tool manager
analyzes situational information pertaining to the disruption to create a
modified travel plan according to the prioritized objectives based upon
said analysis, said user profile, and said past experiences.

10. The computer system of claim 7, further comprising a luggage manager
to dynamically track arrival time of the luggage at an assigned baggage
claim location and to communicate the arrival time and the baggage claim
location to the travel tool.

11. The computer system of claim 7, further comprising a location manager
to detect a current location of the tool and to communicate availability
of at least one port service within a defined proximity of the travel
tool, wherein said at least one travel services use information
associated with said travel tool for marketing purposes.

12. The computer system of claim 11, further comprising said location
manager to detect any queues associated with the at least one service and
to calculate any time delays for obtaining the at least one service.

13. An article comprising: an electronic communication device having a
processor in communication with memory; a computer readable data storage
medium including computer program instructions in communication with the
device, the instructions configured to optimize time management during
travel, said instructions comprising: instructions to set prioritized
travel objectives with a travel tool; instructions to detect and analyze
disruption to a first set of travel plans associated with the travel
objectives based upon data received from an informational database;
instructions to select at least one option to a modified first set of
travel plans, including communicating the selection to the travel tool;
and instructions to dynamically modify the first set of travel plans
based upon said selected option and analysis to attain the set
objectives.

14. The article of claim 13, further comprising instructions to modify at
least one travel objective and to receive interactive confirmation of the
modified travel objective.

15. The article of claim 13, further comprising instructions to analyze
situational information pertaining to the disruption and creating a
modified travel plan according to the prioritized objectives.

16. The article of claim 13, further comprising instructions to
dynamically track arrival time of the luggage at an assigned baggage
claim location, and to communicate the arrival time and the baggage claim
location to the travel tool.

17. The article of claim 13, further comprising instructions to detect a
current location of the tool and to communicate availability of at least
one port service within a defined proximity of the travel tool.

18. The article of claim 17, further comprising instructions to detect
any queues associated with the at least one service and to calculate any
time delays for obtaining the at least one service.

Description:

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and system for dynamic
and interactive advisory services relating to specific travel objectives.
More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method that
enable automatic delivery of travel-related information in real-time to
present a traveler with options to adjust original traveling plans under
specific circumstances.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] For most aviation travelers, airports constitute stressful areas
where the traveler spends unproductive time. There are several known
solutions that provide service and information to alleviate the above
condition. These solutions include an on-line check-in, electronic flight
plans, self check in terminals for departure, and information kiosks
inside an airport. The main drawback for each of these solutions is that
they are limited to a single aspect of a journey, such as airline
information, shopping related information, or food related services.
There is no interconnection between these applications to enable
servicing information on multiple aspects of the journey. In addition,
the existing solutions are not portable and can not be dynamically used
in a real-time mode. Finally, the existing solutions do not provide
situational analysis for travelers when a specific situation arises.

[0005] Accordingly, new personalized solutions are required to fulfill the
needs of passengers. More specifically, there is a need for a portable
application to service travelers with interconnected data related to
multiple aspects of a journey, providing situational analysis, and
presenting a traveler with multiple options to dynamically adjust travel
plans under specific circumstances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A method, system, and article to enhance time management during
travel while efficiently adjusting to changed circumstances.

[0007] In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for optimizing
time management during travel. Prioritized travel objectives are set with
a travel tool in communication with an electronic communication device. A
disruption to a first set of travel plans associated with the travel
objectives is detected and evaluated. Travel plans are re-calculated as a
response to the detected disruption. The re-calculation process includes
analyzing at least one incident and evaluating impact of this evaluated
incident with respect to the travel objectives. At least one option to
the modified first set of travel plans that can accommodate the
modification from the original objective is communicated from the travel
tool to the traveler. Responsive to the analysis, the first set of travel
plans is dynamically modified to attain the travel objectives.

[0008] In another aspect, a computer system is provided with an electronic
communication device having a processor in communication with memory. A
travel tool and an informational database are both provided in the system
in communication with the electronic device. In addition, the travel tool
is provided with a user interface to set prioritized travel objectives. A
travel tool manager detects and analyzes disruption to a first set of
travel plans associated with the travel objectives based upon data
received from the informational database. The user interface receives a
selection of at least one option to the modified first set of travel
plans, and communicates the selection to the travel tool manager. The
travel tool manager then dynamically modifies the first set of travel
plans based upon the analysis in order to attain the set objectives.

[0009] In yet another aspect, an article is provided in the form of an
electronic communication device having a processor in communication with
memory. A computer readable data storage medium including computer
program instructions is provided in communication with the device. The
instructions are configured to optimize time management during travel.
More specifically, the instructions include: instructions to set
prioritized travel objectives with a travel tool, instructions to detect
and analyze disruption to a first set of travel plans associated with the
travel objectives based upon data received from an informational
database, instructions to select at least one option to the modified
first set of travel plans, and to communicate the selection to the travel
tool; and instructions to dynamically modify the first set of travel
plans based upon the analysis to attain the set objectives.

[0010] Other features and advantages of this invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description of the presently
preferred embodiment of the invention, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings referenced herein form a part of the specification.
Features shown in the drawings are meant as illustrative of only some
embodiments of the invention, and not of all embodiments of the invention
unless otherwise explicitly indicated. Implications to the contrary are
otherwise not to be made.

[0012]FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process for setting
preferences of the travel tool.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a process for employing the
travel tool for checking in for a departing flight.

[0014] FIGS. 3A and 3B are a flow chart illustrating a process for
processing through airport security and emigration.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a process for boarding a
departing flight.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a process for arrival at an
airport and addressing a connecting flight.

[0017]FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a process for processing
through immigration and claiming baggage.

[0018]FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating system components of the
travel tool application associated with the present invention, and is
suggested for printing on the first page of the issued patent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] It will be readily understood that the components of the present
invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein,
may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the
embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method of the present
invention, as presented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the
scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of
selected embodiments of the invention.

[0020] The functional units described in this specification have been
labeled as tools, modules, and/or managers. The functional units may be
implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable
gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, or the
like. The functional units may also be implemented in software for
execution by various types of processors. An identified functional unit
of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or
logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be
organized as an object, procedure, function, or other construct.
Nevertheless, the executables of an identified functional unit need not
be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions
stored in different locations which, when joined logically together,
comprise the functional unit and achieve the stated purpose of the
functional unit.

[0021] Indeed, a functional unit of executable code could be a single
instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over
several different code segments, among different applications, and across
several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and
illustrated herein within the functional unit, and may be embodied in any
suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure.
The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be
distributed over different locations including over different storage
devices, and may exist, at least partially, as electronic signals on a
system or network.

[0022] Reference throughout this specification to "a select embodiment,"
"one embodiment," or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment
is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
appearances of the phrases "a select embodiment," "in one embodiment," or
"in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are
not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.

[0023] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics
may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the
following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as
examples of modules, managers, etc., to provide a thorough understanding
of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will
recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or
more of the specific details, or with other methods, components,
materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or
operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring
aspects of the invention.

[0024] The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best
understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are
designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is
intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected
embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with
the invention as claimed herein.

[0025] In the following description of the embodiments, reference is made
to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and which shows by
way of illustration the specific embodiment in which the invention may be
practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized
because structural changes may be made without departing form the scope
of the present invention.

[0026] Current travel tool technology employs tools to simplify and
improve process steps associated with a travel plan. However, these are
one-dimensional and are not directed to support multi-dimensional
solutions associated with travel and travel itineraries. Examples of such
tools include online check-in prior to arrival at the airport,
self-check-in at the airport, information kiosks. However, none of these
tools pertain to dynamic management of travel plans as one or more
aspects of the plans are changed, and to interconnect different aspects
of the travel plans affected by the change. A change to one aspect of the
travel itinerary is likely to affect other aspects of the travel
itinerary. For example, a late arriving flight can affect the ability to
make a connecting flight, hotel reservations, meeting attendance, baggage
claims, etc. Accordingly, a method, system, and tool are provided to
dynamically address management of different aspects of travel plans and
to automatically react to a change in a travel situation.

[0027]FIG. 1 is a flowchart (100) illustrating a process for initializing
a mobile travel tool. As shown, data storage (102) is provided in
communication with the tool. Data storage is employed to retain travel
information, including, but not limited to ticket and flight detail,
ground transportation, airport facility information, etc. As part of the
initialization process, it is determine if the traveler wants to create
and/or maintain preferences through a mobile device local to the
application or through a host computing device remote from the mobile
device (104). If it is determined at step (104) that the traveler has
selected the host computing device, a browser is activated to open a page
for travel tool settings (106). The traveler may then enter their
preference settings, including creating settings, modifying existing
settings, maintaining previously established settings, etc. (108). In
addition, historical travel data and proposed preference settings are
communicated to the traveler web page for consideration (110). Examples
of preferences includes, but are not limited to, preferred airport
activities, frequent traveler program, preferred restaurants, shopping
interests and preferences, requested VIP services, special needs, etc.
Once the preferences have been established at steps (108) and (110), the
preferences are communicated to the travel tool application (112).
Conversely, if at step (104) it is determined that the traveler has
selected to create and/or maintain preferences directly with the mobile
device local to the application, the application setup is opened on the
mobile device (114) and preferences are creates and/or maintained (116).
In addition to traveler information, there is also information pertaining
to the airport and its physical characteristics that may be communicated
to the application. Such information may include, but is not limited to,
flight plan data, airport map, tourist information, airport attractions,
airport sales information, etc. Following steps (112) or (116), it is
determined if the traveler wants to load travel information to the travel
application (118), (120). A positive response to the determination at
step (118) is followed by a push of the travel information to the mobile
device housing the travel application (122). Similarly, a positive
response to the determination at step (120) is followed by a pull of the
travel information to the mobile device housing the travel application
(124). Following steps (122) and (124), the travel information is loaded
into the application and the preference setting is completed (126).
Similarly, a negative response to the determination at steps (118) or
(120) completes the setting process.

[0028] The setting process illustrated in FIG. 1 configures the travel
tool for one or more sets of travel plans. FIG. 2 is a flow chart (200)
illustrating a process for utilizing the travel tool for checking-in for
a departing flight. Upon arrival at the airport (210), it is determined
if the traveler, who is the subject of the tool, has completed the
check-in process online prior to arriving at the airport (212). If the
traveler did not previously complete the check-in process, the flight
information or reservation number is communicated to the travel tool
(214). In one embodiment, the information communicated to the tool
includes, but it not limited to flight number, reservation number,
frequent flier number, etc. Similarly, in one embodiment, the traveler
may only enter one of these parameters and the tool extracts the
remaining travel information from data storage (102). Following the
compilation of the travel data, an alert function ascertains if the
traveler wants to expedite the check-in process for the designated flight
(216). In one embodiment, the tool pulls preference information as
established in FIG. 1 to determine if the traveler has a preset request
for expedited check-in at the airport. Similarly, in one embodiment, the
tool pulls airport data to determine if there are any queues associated
with the remaining steps necessary to board the departing flight in a
timely manner, and the time delays associated with any one of the queues.
If there is a time delay that needs to be factored into the travel plans,
the tool creates an alert to inform the traveler that there may be a
delay, the nature of the delay, and may advise use of faster processing,
if available. Accordingly, receipt of the alert may result in selection
of the fast track at step (216).

[0029] A negative response to the determination at step (216) is followed
by the travel completing the check-in process at an appropriately
designated airline shelter (218) and retrieval of the flight details by
the travel tool (220). Conversely, a positive response to the
determination at step (216) enables the travel tool to activate the fast
track check-in process. More specifically, the travel tool informs the
airline of the expedited check-in request (222). The traveler will then
be directed to a specified check-in lane for expedited requests, or the
associated airline will send personnel to assist the traveler (224).

[0030] If at step (212) it is determined that the traveler has completed
the check-in process on-line, the travel tool pulls travel information
from data storage (226). More specifically, the travel information
pertains to the preferences set and established in FIG. 1. In one
embodiment, the travel tool determines the time necessary to arrive at
the gate for the departing flight. If it is determined that there is or
may be a time delay that needs to be factored into arriving at the
departure gate, the tool generates an alert to inform the traveler that
there may be a delay, the nature of the delay, and may advise use of
faster processing, if available. Accordingly, receipt of the alert may
result in selection expedited processing. In one embodiment, the traveler
may be running late and may need to process through security in an
accelerated manner in order to make the flight. Following step (226), it
is determined if the traveler wants or needs expedited processing for
completion of the check-in process (228). A positive response to the
determination at step (228) is followed by a service call from the travel
tool to the airline servicing the departing flight and a router function
that the traveler needs to accelerate the remaining parts of the check-in
process (222). Conversely, a negative response to the determination at
step (228) or completion of steps (220) or (224) is followed by
determining if the traveler needs to check-in any luggage for the flight
(230). A positive response to the determination at step (230) is followed
by completing the luggage drop (232), and uploading the luggage
information to the travel tool (234). In one embodiment, the luggage
information may include a luggage identifier, a baggage claim area, a
radio frequency identifier, etc. Following a negative response to the
determination at step (230) or completion of the luggage check-in at step
(234), the traveler proceeds to security and emigration (236), as shown
in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the tool functions to assist the traveler with
the check-in process through generation of one or more alert and/or a
service calls to facilitate an accelerated check-in.

[0031] As noted in FIG. 2, part of the check-in process includes traveler
and luggage check-in. Once the check-in is completed, the traveler must
process through airport security and/or emigration. FIGS. 3A and 3B are a
flow chart (300) illustrating employment of the travel tool to facilitate
security and emigration processing. Once the traveler has completed the
check-in process, the tool presents the travel itinerary, including
flight status and estimated time needed for the traveler to get to the
departure gate (302). In one embodiment, the tool detects if there are
any queues associated with the remaining steps necessary to board the
departing flight in a timely manner, and the time delays associated with
any one of the queues. If there is a time delay that needs to be factored
into the travel plans, the tool creates an alert (304) to inform the
traveler that there may be a delay, the nature of the delay, and may
advise use of faster processing, if available. Following step (304), it
is determined if the traveler has any excess time available to divert
from proceeding directly to the departure gate (306). If there is excess
time available, it is further determined if the traveler has any specific
needs, such as shopping, eating, etc. (308). A positive response to the
determination at step (308) is followed by the tool searching for shops,
restaurants, products, etc. that are located at the airport (310). In one
embodiment, the search results will provide a map of the airport
facilities to enable the traveler to find the selected facility.
Similarly, in one embodiment, the travel tool will provide the user with
special offers available at one or more of the airport facilities. In
addition, the travel tool provides the traveler with constant updates to
flight departure time, any changes or delays thereof, waiting times for
security, etc. It is important to note that these updates are provided in
real-time, i.e. dynamic, as the tool is providing the traveler with
critical travel management needs. Based upon the results of the search at
step (310), it is further determined if any of the results from the
search have found services proximal to the departure gate (312). The
determination at step (312) enables the traveler to decide if they will
go shopping before or after security and emigration processing. A
negative response to the determination at step (312) is followed by the
travel tool guiding the traveler to select the services prior to security
and emigration processing (314). Conversely, a positive response to the
determination at step (312), will require the traveler to proceed through
security and emigration before shopping (316). Accordingly, the travel
tool may be employed to direct the traveler to specific stores and/or
vendors located within the airport.

[0032] Following completion of step (314) or a negative response to the
determinations at either steps (306) or (308), the traveler proceeds to
security and emigration (316). It is then determined if the traveler
needs or wants to proceed through security in an expedited manner (318).
There may be various reasons that necessitate the expedited security
processing, including, but not limited to, limited time available to meet
the flight departure time, the selected product or service being proximal
to the departure gate, etc. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the selection
of expedited security processing is limited to a select group of
travelers, including first class ticket purchasers, travelers who pay for
the services, etc. Accordingly, the tool facilitates airport processing
by guiding the traveler to security processing in a time dependent
manner.

[0033] If at step (318) the traveler elects to expedite processing through
security; the travel tool facilitates the processing. More specifically,
the travel tool generates a service call (320) to the office responsible
for security processing. In one embodiment, there may be a fee associated
with the service call. When the traveler arrives at the security
processing location, the travel tool directs the traveler to the
expedited process location (322) where the traveler may elect an
expedited processing locale for both security (324) and/or emigration
(326). Conversely, if it is determined at step (318) that the traveler
does not require expedited security processing, the travel tool employs a
router function to guide the traveler to the conventional locale (328),
i.e. non-expedited, security and/or emigration processing (330) and
(332), respectively. Following completion of processing of the traveler
through security and/or emigration, either conventional or expedited, the
traveler proceeds to the departure gate area (334). If one of the
services searched at step (312) is proximal to the departure gate, the
traveler may use the service once they have processed through security
and emigration (336), time permitting, or proceed to the departure gate
for boarding of the craft (338). In one embodiment, the use of airport
services is retained in memory. Accordingly, the traveler tool
facilitates time management with respect to security and/or emigration
through a service call function that enables the traveler to expedite the
time required for this portion of airport processing.

[0034] As demonstrated in FIGS. 1-3, the travel tool facilitates time
management with respect to bringing the departing traveler to the
departure gate and optimizing available and efficient use of available
time for the traveler. FIG. 4 is a flow chart (400) illustrating use of
the travel tool with respect to waiting for departure and boarding. As
noted, the traveler has successfully passed through security and/or
emigration processing (402). The travel tool then dynamically checks the
travel itinerary and flight status (404). In one embodiment, the dynamic
checking is processed in the background, and the traveler is shown the
current flight status and the estimated time available to arrive at the
gate. It is then determined if the traveler has time available prior to
the scheduled boarding and departure times (406). A positive response to
the determination at step (406) is followed by an alert function of the
travel tool extracting information about available airport resources in
the post-security and/or emigration section of the airport (408). The
traveler may review the resources available, or it may query the tool for
any recommendations of available airport resources (410). Following
either step (408) or (410), the traveler decides whether they want to
make use of any of the airport services, followed by the travel tool
directing the traveler to a location for the selected service. In the
example shown herein, the traveler may select one or more stores for
shopping (412), resting at an airport lounge (414), and resting at a spa
(416). Although only three services are shown herein, the invention
should not be limited to these services or the quantity shown herein. In
one embodiment, there may be additional or fewer services available
depending upon the physical facilities of the airport. In one embodiment,
regardless of the selection at steps (412), (414), or (416), the travel
tool employs and activates an alert function with the selections at steps
(412), (414), or (416) to communicate with the traveler when they need to
leave the selected service and start making their way to the departure
gate. Accordingly, the travel tool tracks selections and movement of the
traveler in real-time in order to mitigate missing their flight.

[0035] If at step (406) or following steps (412), (414), or (416), it is
determined that the traveler does not have time available to take part in
the airport services or time remaining to employ the services,
respectively, the travel tool enables the traveler to decide if they want
or need to proceed to the departure gate in an expedited manner (418). A
positive response by the traveler to the determination at step (418) is
followed by the tool sending a service call to airport services to
facilitate the expedited request (420). The services requested may be in
various different forms, including but not limited to transport services.
For example, in one embodiment, a special transport may be required to
take the traveler from their current location to the departure gate in a
timely manner. Depending upon circumstances, there may or may not be a
fee for the requested service. A negative response by the traveler to the
determination tool at step (418) is followed by the travel tool guiding
the traveler to proceed to the departure gate without the use or request
of any special services (422). In one embodiment, the travel tool
includes a map of the airport and is employed to direct the traveler to
the departure gate. Accordingly, the travel tool enables the traveler to
elect use of airport services in order to meet the time restrictions
associated with the flight departure.

[0036] It has become common in air transportation that more than one
flight is required to get a traveler to their final destination. For
example, the hub system has become commonplace, with travelers being
transported to a hub, and from the hub that can take one or more
connection flights to bring them to the final location. FIG. 5 is a flow
chart (500) illustrating a process for utilizing the travel tool to
manage a connection flight at an intervening airport location. As shown,
the traveler arrives at the airport from a prior flight arrival (502). It
is then determined if the traveler has a connecting flight from this
airport as part of the travel itinerary (504). In one embodiment, the
travel tool will upload and make viewable the travel itinerary together
with connecting flight departure status and estimated time required to
get to the departure gate of the connecting flight from the arrival gate
of the prior flight. It is known that these gate assignments can changes.
The travel tool obtains the information on flight arrivals and departures
in real-time, together with their gate location(s). A positive response
to the determination at step (504) is following by ascertaining if the
traveler has time available to make it to the departure gate of their
connecting flight (506). In one embodiment, the prior flight may have
been subject to a delay, thereby causing a possible missed connection for
the traveler. Similarly, in one embodiment, the travel tools pulls
historical information and airport data to estimate a time interval for
the traveler to reach the departing gate from the arriving gate of the
prior flight, and makes the determination of whether the traveler should
be able to reach the designated departure gate prior to completion of the
boarding process. A negative response to the determination at step (506)
is followed by the travel tool facilitating arrangements for an alternate
flight, hotel accommodations, etc. (510). In one embodiment, the travel
tool extracts flight data from one or more airlines servicing the
terminal to find a connecting flight for the traveler. Similarly, in one
embodiment, the traveler may employ the travel tool to obtain a seat
reservation for the connecting flight based upon the extracted data. The
travel tool may obtain the reservation without the need for a ticketing
agent, or the travel tool may present the information to the traveler so
that they may present it to a booking agent to secure a reservation. A
positive response to the determination at step (506) is followed by the
traveler waiting the required time to board the connecting flight (508).
Accordingly, the travel tool may accommodate a travel itinerary with two
or more flights required to meet the destination.

[0037] If at step (504) it is determined that the traveler has reached
their destination; the travel tool may be used to take advantage of
stores and/or services local to the airport (512). A determination that
the traveler is ready to depart the airport is followed by the traveler
proceeding to baggage claim and/or immigration, in the case of
international travel (514). Conversely, a determination that the traveler
wants to use one or more products and/or services of the airport, such as
shopping, dining, etc, is followed by the traveler selecting one or more
categories of products and/or services that they are interested in
utilizing (516). The travel tool may be employed to select the products
and/or services. For example, in one embodiment, the travel tool
communicates with memory or data storage pertaining to the airport and
presents airport specific information to the traveler. In one embodiment,
the traveler may provide the travel tool with preferences of products
and/or services, and the travel tool may communication with airport
specific data to determine if any of the traveler preferences can be
serviced at the airport, and if so, recommending the products and/or
services to the traveler together with directions within the airport
facilities. Once the products and/or services are selected, the travel
tool provides route guidance instructions to direct the traveler to the
selected location (518). After the traveler has completed the use of the
airport facilities (520), or needs to depart for whatever reason, they
can proceed to baggage claim and/or immigration processing, in the case
of international travel (514). Accordingly, the travel tool dynamically
interfaces with the user and airport facilities to provide the traveler
with recommendations to meet their travel needs.

[0038] As referenced in FIG. 5, the traveler may proceed to the baggage
claim facility to claim their luggage prior to departure from the
airport. Claiming checked baggage can be a stressful process, as airlines
have a reputation for lost luggage. FIG. 6 is a flow chart (600)
illustrating a process to facilitate baggage claim and to integrate the
baggage claim process with the travel tool. Upon arriving at the airport
location (602), the travel tool ascertains if the traveler will require
special services to claim their luggage (604). In one embodiment, the
travel tool will upload the travel itinerary and determine if there is a
sufficient amount of time available for the traveler to proceed to the
baggage claim area. For example, in one embodiment, the traveler may have
arrived in the destination airport, but may need to switch to ground
transportation to complete their travel. If the ground transportation is
on a set schedule, such as a train schedule, the travel tool will pull
this data, estimate time remaining to meet the train for departure, and
inform the traveler if there is not enough time remaining to proceed to
the baggage claim area and still meet the time requirements for the next
leg of their travel. In one embodiment, the travel tool generates an
alert message to inform the traveler of scheduling issues. If the
traveler will require special services to process their checked baggage,
a service call is communicated from the travel tool to airport services,
and instructions are provided to accelerate baggage claim and/or
immigration processing (606). In one embodiment, a fast path through
baggage claim includes a third party getting the luggage from the baggage
claim on behalf of the traveler. Immigration processing is something that
is required on an individual basis. However, if the traveler has
requested expedited processing, they can receive expedited processing
through immigration. Accordingly, the travel tool can facilitate election
of expedited processing to get the traveler through the airport and with
airport services in a timely manner.

[0039] Conversely, if the traveler does not require any special service,
the travel tool communicates instructions to the traveler to proceed to
the designated conventional baggage claim area and/or immigration (608).
With respect to baggage claim, in one embodiment, the travel tool may be
employed to extract baggage claim location information from airport
services, and to communicate this location to the traveler. In an
embodiment with an airport supporting RFID technology, one or more
luggage items may be assigned a radio frequency tag together with the
travel tool having a radio frequency tag identifier to dynamically track
the arrival time of the luggage item at an assigned baggage claim
location. The travel tool may then be used to notify the traveler of the
arrival time and/or baggage claim location for their luggage.
Accordingly, the travel tool may be employed to facilitate baggage claim
for the traveler.

[0040] In the case of international travel, the traveler is required to
proceed through customs as part of their travel entry. Generally, when
undertaking international travel, customs processing is required prior to
exiting the airport. It is determined if the traveler requires expedited
processing through customs (610). In one embodiment, the determination at
step (610) is in the form of the traveler communication with the travel
tool to request expedited processing through customs. Similarly, in one
embodiment, the traveler will be assessed a fee for the expedited
processing. If the determination at step (610) indicates that the
traveler has not requested expedited process, has not agreed to pay the
fee associated therewith, or if expedited customs processing is not
available at this location, the traveler proceeds through conventional
customs processing (612). Conversely, if the traveler has requested and
been approved for expedited process, the traveler proceeds through the
expedited customs processing location (614). Once the customs processing
and baggage claim has completed, the traveler proceeds to exit the
airport. It is determined if the traveler will be proceeding to ground
transportation that is on a set schedule, such as a train, bus, etc.
(616). A positive response to the determination at step (616) includes
sending a communication to the traveler through the travel tool regarding
the scheduled departure time and any other time critical information
(618), including but not limited to estimated time to catch the scheduled
transportation, directions, etc. The travel tool is then employed to
communicate directions to the traveler to lead them to the connecting
transportation (620). Accordingly, the travel tool facilitates the
traveler's completion of the air travel through to obtaining ground
transportation to bring the traveler to their destination.

[0041] As demonstrated in the flow charts, a tool is employed together
with work flow to facilitate air travel and associated services. Although
the travel tool is discussed as a single item, it is a tool that may be
comprised of a plurality of items to support its functionality. FIG. 7 is
a block diagram (700) illustrating a travel communication system
associated with the present invention. A mobile device (702) is provided
in communication with a server (740) across a network (704). The device
(702) is provided with a processing unit (710) in communication with
memory (712) across a bus (714). A transponder (730) is embedded within
the device (702). In one embodiment, the transponder (730) is in the form
of a transceiver that transmits a signal upon reception of a designated
incoming signal. Similarly, in one embodiment, the transponder (730) is
configured for global position data. The server (740) is provided with a
processing unit (742) in communication with memory (746) across a bus
(744). The server (740) is in communication with the device (702) over
the network (704). In addition, the server is in communication with data
storage (748). In one embodiment, the data storage (748) includes, but is
not limited to airport information, including flight schedules, airport
map(s), luggage localization, etc., dynamic web information, including
tourism and weather data, dynamic traveler community information, and
account information. Although both the device (702) and the server (740)
are shown with a single processing unit, the invention should not be
limited to this configuration. In one embodiment, the device (702) and/or
the server (740) may be configured with multiple processing units.
Similarly, in one embodiment, there may be a plurality of servers (740)
in communication with the device (702), or a plurality of devices (702)
in communication with one or more servers (740). Accordingly, both the
device (702) and the server (740) communicate over a shared network
(704).

[0042] The server (740) is employed to support communication with the
device (702). In one embodiment, a data manager (760) local to the server
(740) gathers historical data pertaining to travel behavior and analyzes
this data to provide current recommendations to the traveler. Data may be
communicated to the device (702) directly through an input apparatus
(770) or through a host machine (780) in communication with the device
(702) across the network (704). Such data includes, but is not limited to
travel itinerary, personal information, airport designation, etc. In one
embodiment, the input apparatus (770) is in the form of a user interface
that enables the traveler to set prioritized travel objectives.
Similarly, in one embodiment, the device (702) employs a communication
manager (772) to interface with the server (740) and one or more host
machines (780) to extract airport information from data storage (748)
associated with the travel itinerary. In addition, the device (702)
includes a travel manager (774) in communication with the communication
manager (772). The travel manager (774) is employed to dynamically manage
the traveler in real-time, i.e. dynamically. More specifically, the
travel manager (774) detects and analyzes any changes or disruption to
the travel plans as outlined in the objectives of the travel itinerary.
In the event of a detected change to one or more objectives, the travel
manager (774) dynamically modifies the plans with a goal of reaching the
original travel objectives. In one embodiment, the input apparatus (770)
may be employed local to the device (702) to select the modified plans as
conveyed by the travel manager (774). Similarly, in one embodiment, the
input apparatus (770) is employed to confirm acceptance of the modified
travel plan(s). Based upon the dynamic characteristics of the device
(702) and it's associated managers, in one embodiment, the travel manager
(774) is employed to analyze situational information associated with a
travel disruption and to create a modified travel plan in accordance with
one or more prioritize objectives as conveyed to the communication
manager (772). Accordingly, the managers (772) and (774) are employed to
mitigate issues associated with changes in travel itineraries.

[0043] It is known that travelers have luggage, some of which can be
carried onto the aircraft, and some of which must be checked-in for
retrieval after the flight has completed. In one embodiment, individual
luggage items may be assigned a radio frequency identifier, and the
device (702) may be provided a corresponding tool in the form of a radio
frequency detector (776) to dynamically track the movement of the baggage
and to communicate the movement and arrival time to the device (702).
Accordingly, the detector (776) may be employed to facilitate expedited
retrieval of luggage.

[0044] In one embodiment, the traveler may have time available at the
airport to partake in one or more airport services. At the same time, it
is imperative that the traveler maintain the itinerary schedule. As such,
the device (702) may be provided with a location manager (778) in
communication with the travel manager (774). The location manager (778)
detects the current location of the device (702), and based upon the
location provides information on one or more port services within a
defined proximity. In one embodiment, the location manager detects the
current location through the transponder (730). In addition to port
services, the location manager (778) may be employed to detect any queues
relevant to the traveler and/or to calculate any delays associated with
detected queues. Such queues include, but are not limited to, airport
services such as dining, spa, shopping, security, immigration, customs,
etc. Accordingly, the location manager (778) may direct the travel to a
specific service and also provide insight into the time to process
through the specific service.

[0045] As shown herein, the data manager (760) resides in memory (746)
local to the server (740), and each of the communication manager (772),
travel manager (774), and location manager (778) reside in memory (712)
local to the device (702). In one embodiment, the data manager (760), the
communication manager (772), the travel manager (774), and the location
manager (778) may each reside as hardware tools external to memory (746)
and (712), respectively, or they may be implemented as a combination of
hardware and software. Similarly, in one embodiment, the communication
manager (772), the travel manager (774), and the location manager (778)
may be combined into a single functional item that incorporate the
functionality of the separate items. Furthermore, as shown herein, each
of the communication manager (772), the travel manager (774), and the
location manager (778) are local to one system (700). However, in one
embodiment, they may be collectively or individually distributed across a
network and function as a unit to embody the functionality of individual
units. Accordingly, the data manager (760), the communication manager
(772), the travel manager (774), and the location manager (778) may be
implemented as software tools, hardware tools, or a combination of
software and hardware tools for managing the functionality of the travel
tool in a distributed manner.

[0046] Embodiments within the scope of the present invention also include
articles of manufacture comprising program storage means having encoded
therein program code. Such program storage means can be any available
media which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose
computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such program storage
means can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, or other optical disk
storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other medium which can be used to store the desired program code means
and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose
computer. Combinations of the above should also be included in the scope
of the program storage means.

[0047] The medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical,
electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or
device). Examples of a computer-readable medium include, but are not
limited to, a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a
removable computer diskette, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory
(ROM), a rigid magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Current examples of
optical disks include, but are not limited to, compact disk B read only
(CD-ROM), compact disk B read/write (CD-R/W) and DVD.

[0048] A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing
program code will include at least one processor coupled directly or
indirectly to memory elements through a system bus. The memory elements
can include local memory employed during actual execution of the program
code, bulk storage, and cache memories which provide temporary storage of
at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times code
must be retrieved from bulk storage during execution.

[0049] Input/output or I/O devices (including but not limited to
keyboards, displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system
either directly or through intervening I/O controllers. Network adapters
may also be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system to
become coupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or
storage devices through intervening private or public networks.

[0050] The software implementation can take the form of a computer program
product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium
providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any
instruction execution system.

[0051] The tools provide for management of travel, travel related
services, and more specifically for dynamically managing aspects of
travel. One or more managers or tools are implemented to ensure that a
travel plan may be dynamically modified in real-time to support travel
objectives. In one embodiment, the manager(s) and/or tool(s) function in
a dynamic manner that automates the modification of travel plans and
mitigates inefficiencies and delays associated with travel.

[0052] It will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the
invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration,
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection of this
invention is limited only by the following claims and their equivalents.